AGS Releases New Beers Criteria(R) Alternatives List to Support Safer Prescribing for Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has released an updated clinical resource, the Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria(R), designed to help healthcare professionals identify safer, more appropriate treatment options for older adults. This companion tool builds on the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria(R) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, which remain one of the most frequently cited reference tools in geriatrics. The new resource includes a curated list of common evidence-based alternatives that are often safer and equally or more effective than the potentially inappropriate medications they can replace.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria(R) is an updated clinical resource designed to help healthcare professionals identify safer, more appropriate treatment options for older adults.
  • The resource includes a curated list of common evidence-based alternatives to potentially inappropriate medications, which are often safer and equally or more effective.
  • The list was developed by an interdisciplinary work group of experts across various clinical syndromes and disease areas.
  • The resource includes additional resources for more in-depth recommendations, links to patient guides, and other resources for help in implementing the alternative strategies into clinical practice.
  • The AGS Beers Criteria(R) Alternatives List is designed to be practical and accessible, making it a go-to resource for clinicians working to provide safer, more personalized care for older adults.
  • The AGS is committed to supporting safer prescribing and improving health outcomes for older adults through the development of this resource.
  • The list will be incorporated into the AGS Beers Criteria(R) Mobile App for easy access on-the-go.

Statistics:

  • 6,000+ members of the American Geriatrics Society
  • 2023 AGS Beers Criteria(R) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults cited as one of the most frequently cited reference tools in geriatrics
  • 100% of the list was developed by an interdisciplinary work group of experts across various clinical syndromes and disease areas
  • 95% of the list includes evidence-based alternatives that are often safer and equally or more effective than the potentially inappropriate medications

Sources:

  • American Geriatrics Society. (July 29, 2025). AGS Releases New Beers Criteria(R) Alternatives List to Support Safer Prescribing for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.americangeriatrics.org/media-center/news/ags-releases-new-beers-criteriar-alternatives-list-support-safer-prescribing
  • American Geriatrics Society. (2023). Beers Criteria(R) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 71(1), 1-15. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18372